If the next few weeks were going to be tough with the potential absence of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, then they are now getting much worse with the news that a central defender has been injured in International duty over the weekend.

Jan Bednarek has tweaked his knee ligaments whilst playing for Poland against Portugal, landing awkwardly on his knee after a tackle with Cristiano Renaldo which saw him coming off at half time.

Reports from the Polish camp suggest that it is not too serious and he will be out for about 3 weeks, although Saints have not yet provided any updates yet as their own medical staff will now get to analyse the damage today.

Of course we all know who will replace him, Jack Stephens will be shunted into the centre from whatever position he is currently playing which is not great news when you consider who our opponents are on Sunday, Liverpool and the likes of Mo Salah.

A three-week injury layout would see him miss Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Brighton, Chelsea and Aston Villa, when you read that, you don't see many points coming from those fixtures even with a fit Jan Bednarek.

All Photos Via Reuters

kingolaf added 10:09 - Nov 18 Absolutely criminal that Bella-Kotchap won’t be playing.
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andoverpedro added 10:23 - Nov 18 i hope Bella Kotchup isnt being paid if he doesnt train or play
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Bowlercow added 11:39 - Nov 18 ABK now has a great chance to put himself in the shop window It would also have the added benefit of increasing his potential sell on price
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halftimeorange added 12:08 - Nov 18 If he's not committed to Saints (as has appeared to be the case) added to his unfortunate recent history of injuries, would we risk him over and above say, Nathan Wood who might, at least get through ninety minutes and will surely get in the side when we're in the Championship and, practically speaking, testing himself against top players would surely only aid his education for when we inevitably rise again.

3

IanRC added 15:56 - Nov 18 Surely Martin has learned his lesson about Stephens though history seems to suggest not. Desperate times with Ramsdale and Bednarak (who despite his detractors, frequently shows up in the most blocked shots statistics) both out and no new manager incoming.
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underweststand added 16:51 - Nov 18 Agree (halftimeorange) recently read that Wood was a bit unhappy at getting no game time. (Last app. v Cardiff League Cup in August + some minutes with U21s.) He's played alongside THB with England U21's a few times in the last year -so why not give him a chance (?)..let's face it our next game is v. Liverpool - couldn't be more of a challenge- If he's not the worst player on the pitch, he might get some game time whilst Jan B. is out

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Block8 added 19:21 - Nov 18 With ABK refusing to play for the U21 team there is obviously a question mark over his fitness levels. We still have Wood & Edwards yet to make a PL debut but it does look as though Jack will be one of the two main CB's. This may actually strengthen the midfield as Jack won't be in it? Hopefully a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation and the death of the CB/CM hybrid that has had no benefit to results thus far!

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UgandaSaint added 04:41 - Nov 20 McCalamity in goal, Stephens at CB. Top of the table playing bottom of the table. What could go wrong? 1-0 to Saints. Pass me some more of that wacky-backy.
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